Law enforcement, parents offer summer safety rules, tips

As the trial against George Zimmerman, charged with second degree murder of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, winds down, local public safety officials and parents are giving children advice and guidelines for being safe, first and foremost.

Martin was walking home from a convenience store on Feb. 26, 2012, when Zimmerman confronted him, thinking it was suspicious he was walking in the neighborhood. A confrontation ensued and Zimmerman shot Martin in the heart.

“We don’t want to have any issues regarding trespassing or criminal mischief,” said Lt. John Cummins of the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. “Try to not get close to vehicles or houses, and stay on the sidewalk.”

Cummins said it’s never a good idea for young people to be out after dark, but if they have to they should have someone with them, preferably an adult.

“Stay away from places that are dimly-lighted,” he said. “Never be hesitant to call law enforcement if something does occur.”

One other concern, not specific to summer, Cummins said is making acquaintances with people online. He said to be cautious with them because sometimes people are not who they claim to be on the Internet.

Local parents are including neighborhood safety, including avoiding strangers and dangerous situations, in their rules for their children who are out and about more during the summer.

“I try to have them with me at all costs,” said April Chevrie, an Abilene mother of three. “They’re allowed to go outside and ride their bikes, as long as someone’s watching them. Keeping an eye on them, mainly, is what I do.”